Yankees’ Jeter close to rehab games

New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter says he thinks he is close to feeling well enough to begin playing in minor league games.

The Yankees’ captain says he is now doing everything needed before beginning a rehabilitation assignment.

"I’m anxious to be playing in games," Jeter said after working out Thursday at the Yankees’ minor league complex. "When they tell me to play, I’ll play."

On Wednesday, Jeter ran the bases after putting the ball in play during simulated at-bats for the first time since a second break was found in his left ankle. He is expected to rejoin the Yankees after the All-Star break.

"Everything felt good," Jeter said.

Jeter has been out all season. He broke his ankle in the opener of the AL championship series on Oct. 13. After surgery, he played just five spring training games because of soreness. A new break was discovered on April 18.

Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson, out with a broken knuckle on his left hand, took around 15 swings in an indoor pool with a lightweight pipe, the initial step in the process to resume hitting.

"To know that this is the first step and we’ve checked that off is good news," Granderson said.